In a significant move to protect public land, the Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) has successfully reclaimed valuable open space reserve (OSR) land that had been illegally occupied in the city's East zone. The action, which took place in Ward 52, has restored property estimated to be worth a staggering Rs 11 crore to the civic body.
Details of the Reclaimed Land
The reclaimed OSR land is located in Periyar Nagar near Anna Nagar. This land is part of a larger 5.17-acre development that contains 50 DTCP-approved residential plots. As per standard planning regulations, 10% of such developed areas must be reserved as open space for public use. In this case, the designated OSR included 11 cents for a children's playground. However, the remaining 28 cents of this vital public space had been systematically encroached upon. Illegal workshops and residential structures were erected on the land, denying the community its rightful amenity.
The Anti-Encroachment Drive and Resistance
The corporation's action came after recent attempts by encroachers to fence off an additional seven cents of the OSR land were thwarted by alert officials. The decisive operation was carried out on Sunday. When CCMC officials arrived at the site to clear the encroachments, they faced immediate opposition. A couple of individuals, claiming to be advocates, attempted to stop the demolition work.
After a heated argument with these individuals and some members of the public, the officials, with crucial support from the local police, proceeded with the drive. They successfully removed the illegal fencing and all unauthorized structures. To assert civic ownership, the corporation has now installed official signboards on the reclaimed plot.
Calls for Legal Action and Future Vigilance
Reacting to the incident, prominent RTI activist S P Thiyagarajan emphasized the need for the corporation to take a stronger legal stand. He urged the CCMC to file formal complaints against those who obstruct public officials during such reclamation drives. "I personally would petition the corporation to take legal action against those involved in an argument," Thiyagarajan stated, highlighting the importance of deterring future attempts at intimidation and land-grabbing.
This successful reclamation in Periyar Nagar underscores the ongoing challenge of protecting OSR lands across Indian cities. It serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance by both civic authorities and active citizens to safeguard community resources from illegal occupation.
